IELTS Speaking Part-3 ideal home, flat or house

What are the biggest problems that people living in cities are facing?

Urban overdevelopment brings two significant issues. First, young people are battling to secure jobs due to intense competition in the labor market. Some fresh graduates end up stuck in a rut, remaining unemployed for years or settling for jobs unrelated to their studies just to make ends meet. Secondly, the influx of rural migrants often places a heavy burden on the financial resources of youths and the existing urban infrastructure, leading to a decline in living standards. For example, young city-dwellers from disadvantaged families might struggle to afford proper meals and basic accommodation.

For most people, what is an ideal house?

If people had their druthers, they’d likely choose a standalone house over an apartment. They’d also prefer a property with a garden where they could have flowers, trees, and even grow vegetables. Additionally, they’d want a spacious home that could accommodate family members or provide a comfortable place for guests to stay.

What kinds of homes do most people in your country live in?

Most people live in bungalows, but there's a noticeable shift as young people are increasingly taking out mortgages for rented apartments. This trend reflects a desire for independence and a break from living under parental care.

How are modern homes different from older homes?

Modern homes are a world apart from older ones. They are typically equipped with all the mod cons, including sleek furnishings and state-of-the-art appliances like vacuum cleaners and dishwashers. In contrast, older homes are often plain Jane in their design, with fewer furnishings and a more gloomy interior.

How has housing changed in your country?

Nowadays, people often live in high-rise apartments in big cities. In the past, most people resided in small houses and some cities had courtyard homes where extended families lived together with a shared garden. These traditional homes were a hit with foreigners due to their unique design.

Do most people in your country live in an apartment or house?

It really depends on the age group. Young people are leaning towards living in apartments, often taking out mortgages in urban areas because they crave city life. In contrast, older citizens usually live with their children and grandchildren in houses, which offer care and comfort that apartments might not.

Do you think moving to a new home can bring problems to people?

Definitely. Moving to a new home can be a real hassle. People often have to sort out issues like hiring a moving truck or redecorating their new place. They might also experience stress and anxiety as they adjust to the new environment or deal with less-than-ideal neighbors.

What are the differences between living in the countryside and living in a city?

There are several contrasts between rural and urban living. In terms of air quality, city dwellers are at a higher risk of respiratory diseases like asthma, while those in the countryside enjoy fresh air and better health. Additionally, cities offer more developed facilities and a higher standard of living. Urban residents can recharge their batteries with various entertainment options, like cinemas and social gatherings, which might be limited in rural areas.

Do young people in your country like to live with their parents or on their own?

Today’s young generation tends to favor independence from an early age. They often move away from their parents to live on their own or with roommates. This habit starts during tertiary education when they manage tasks like grocery shopping and laundry on their own, which gradually becomes the norm.

Do people in your country like to rent a place to live?

Yes, many young people prefer renting apartments to living with their families. They seek greater freedom and privacy and want to prove their independence. Renting allows them to experience life on their own terms.

How do people decide on the kind of housing they choose to live in?

Most people don’t have a lot of choice unless they are well-off. The majority opt for flats because they are more affordable. People generally try to choose accommodation close to their workplace, though this doesn’t always prevent them from spending a lot of time commuting.

How will housing change in the future?

In the future, I envision more high-rise buildings with modern amenities. However, I hope urban planners will incorporate more green spaces between these buildings. The current trend of cramming in concrete is a bit of a misstep, and adding more parks and green areas would greatly improve city living.

Meaning of advanced phrases, idioms, and expressions:

• Battling: Struggling against.

• Stuck in a rut: In a difficult or unchanging situation.

• Settling for: Accepting something less than desired.

• Places a heavy burden: Creates a significant problem.

• Decline in living standards: Reduction in the quality of life.

• Standalone house: A house not attached to any other.

• Taking out mortgages: Borrowing money to buy a property.

• All the mod cons: Modern conveniences.

• A world apart: Very different.

• Plain Jane: Simple or unadorned.

• High-rise apartments: Tall buildings with many floors.

• Courtyard homes: Houses with a central open space.

• A hit: Popular or well-liked.

• Leaning towards: Preferring.

• Crave: Strongly desire.

• Care and comfort: Emotional and physical support.

• A real hassle: A significant inconvenience.

• Sort out: Resolve or arrange.

• Stress and anxiety: Mental strain and worry.

• Less-than-ideal neighbors: Annoying or troublesome neighbors.

• Several contrasts: Many differences.

• At a higher risk: More likely to encounter.

• Fresh air: Clean, unpolluted air.

• Developed facilities: Advanced services and amenities.

• Recharge their batteries: Replenish energy or enthusiasm.

• Favor independence: Prefer living alone.

• Move away: Relocate to a different place.

• Greater freedom and privacy: More control over one's life and personal space.

• Well-off: Wealthy or financially secure.

• Spending a lot of time commuting: Traveling long distances to work.

• High-rise buildings: Tall buildings with multiple floors.

• Green spaces: Areas with grass and plants.

• Cramming in concrete: Filling up spaces with buildings instead of greenery.

• A bit of a misstep: A small mistake or error in planning.